Get Fresh: Sushi in Central PA

Sushi can be the third rail of dining, especially for non-adventurous eaters (you know who you are, don't be shy). I can understand it, really, with the mostly urban legends of sushi leading to parasites, food poisioning and other gastronomical pleasantries. Perhaps your only exposure to sushi was when Molly Ringwald ate it for lunch in detention in The Breakfast Club. Even though it's become common fare, it's even available at most grocery stores, many people make the “your face will freeze that way” expression when sushi is mentioned.

Sushi is delicious and fresh, so it is the perfect summer meal. If you stick to places that are recommended or packed with patrons, you really can't go wrong. Sure, hole-in-the-wall eateries are often fantastic (and suprising), but for sushi-shy eaters, just go by those that come recommended.

Sushi was the first types of restaurants The Husband and I scouted out when we moved here from DC. We've had moderate success, and here are our finds:

Miso – This has been our favorite pick so far. Miso Sushi Bar is located on Jonestown Road and carries traditional sushi, rolls and cooked Japanese dishes. The Husband likes their tempura veggies too. Miso hits all the right notes, so don't be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone and try a dish with eel, sea urchin or squid. They also took the time to publish a useful history of sushi and nutritional information on their website. Parking can be a bear, with just a few spots located behind the restaurant. Check for spots in neighboring lots after business hours.

Miyako – It has been several months since we tried Miyako, but I have to say that I remember the musty smell of the restaurant more than I remember the food. Perhaps we caught them on an off day, but I don't have plans to return to this Second St. eatery. I'd be interested to know if you've had a different experience.

Sapporo East – Stay with me here, Sappora East is on the West shore. Geographically confusing name aside, the food here is spot on and fresh, getting fish in directly from Baltimore nearly every day. This place is always packed, which is a good sign.

I have to say I wish these establishments offered brown rice or carrot wrapped options like our favorite places in DC (hey, its bathing suit season and I know some of you are doing the low carb thing). I am also looking for one that is not BYOB, so that we can enjoy sake with our meal (we usually forget to bring it).

I'm hoping you guys have some recommendations for sushi bars in Central PA- where should we go as we continue our hunt for the freshest and most delicious sushi in the area? Do you know of any sushi bars that aren't BYOBs?

Nov 14, 2012 | Joelle Shea

Oct 23, 2012 | Joelle Shea

gigismom
2012-07-03 13:41

Wegmans has some amazing sushi and offers the alternative wraps you are craving.

I reliable source told me that Mitaka on 29th Street is good, but i've never been.

I like Miso the best, but i think that it smells musty in there...

Karen McFadden
2012-07-03 15:49

I have always had great sushi experience at Fuji Do located on the corner of 17th and Paxton Streets in Harrisburg. Also, Mitaka on 29th Street in Harrisburg is very good. They have unusual special rolls that I've not seen at every other sushi restaurant.

JenJen
2012-07-03 15:55

I miss Zen in Mechanicsburg so much already!

Thanks for compiling this list and for all the comments. It'll be useful in finding a new favorite sushi joint.

Andy
2012-07-03 17:05

I'm a regular at Miyako and enjoy it. I work downtown and go there almost weekly but have to say that I've never noticed a musty smell. Miyako does offer brown rice for rolls.

The relatively new Wasabi House on East Chocolate Avenue in Hershey is also good. It's owned by the same management group that owns Miyako. My only negative there has been occasional slow service. But that just provides an opportunity to practice mindfulness. :-)

I also like Akita's in the State Street Plaza in Lemoyne. The food has always been good. (Full disclosure: The owner is a friend of a friend, and that breeds loyalty.)

Christie
2012-07-03 17:24

Akitas in Lemoyne is ALWAYS my go to. If I ever go anyplace else, I compare it to Akitas.

Vid Lynch
2012-07-03 17:49

First of all, I disagree about Akitas completely. I went there once and had the worst service of my life and the sushi was sub par. I will never go back there again.

But the best sushi in the area is at Mt Fuji. My friend Alexis's Father was a in the Marine's stationed in Japan. He now flies people around the world in private jets. He LOVES sushi and says that best in the world is at MT Fuji. And I have to agree it is the best I have ever had in this country.

Vid Lynch
2012-07-03 17:50

I used to LOVE Fuji Do but I haven't been there in years cause the last 3 times I went they weren't as good. Has it gotten better again?

Allison
2012-07-03 19:34

Tokyo Diner is a chain in central PA, but the one I recommend going to is in Selinsgrove, PA. The sushi is delicious and they have more than their fair share of drinks to pair with the meal.

Chrissie
2012-07-06 13:39

You must try Fuji Do. Its a "hole in the wall" place on Paxton street that you would most likely pass and not notice. The owner, Tony, is a nice man who has regular sushi specials.

Liz
2012-07-06 13:42

Sorry I'm late to this party! Sakura in Mechanicsburg (near to Wegman's) recently beat out Miso as my favorite. Well, maybe they're tied. Regardless, they have a very interesting (and spicy) assortment of rolls along with a rather full menu of other options. Unfortunately, I believe they are BYOB as well. Truthfully, the only place I know that has sake is Benihana on Paxton Street, but I do not love their sushi.

Try M Sushi House and Restaurant. It opened in June at 3402-3406 Walnut St. Its owner Michael Wan, worked as the head sushi chef at Okini. Its menu focuses on Japanese and sushi. Among it's specialities is the M Roll, a lobster tail tempura with asparagus, mango, spicy crab wrapped in pink soy paper; Ruby Roll, spicy salmon with strawberry and white tuna; and The Love at First Sight, spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado, shrimp and tempura wrapped with yellow soy paper.

There are dozens of sushi and sashimi choices from California rolls to tuna, Philly and tempura rolls. Lunch specials cover choice of two rolls, soup and salad for $8 or choice of three rolls with soup and salad for $10.

Wow… This is indeed great news. Availability of good sushi n in this area was a rare thing and one has to be lucky enough to have them served in a way which would be tasty. And for a new comer, it is very hard to find one easily.

Sushi is a very popular Japanese food. This is done by very few professionals with perfection. I found the process of making Sushi on dissertation writing services reviews. It is very tasty and healthy and good for all ages.

Most of the people just love to have this Sushi. As i have read from my easy essay writing articles that its really fresh and tastier to eat. But its a raw food so most of them feel a bit uncomfortable with it. Mostly it is a popular dish.

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